Tests Of Special Relativity Research Articles

Multilayer optics as an analog computer for testing special relativity

From the basic result that the action of any multilayer is equivalent to a proper Lorentz transformation, we propose very simple optical measurements that can serve as an analog computer for testing special relativity. The optical implementations of some seminal predictions of special relativity are discussed.

Cosmic ray and neutrino tests of special relativity

Cosmic ray and neutrino tests of special relativity

Test of special relativity and equivalence principle from neutrinoless double beta decay

We generalize the formalism for testing Lorentz invariance and the weak equivalence principle in the neutrino sector. While neutrino oscillation bounds constrain the region of large mixing of the the weak and gravitational eigenstates, we obtain new constraints on violations of Lorentz invariance and the equivalence principle from neutrinoless double beta decay. These bounds apply even in the case of no mixing and thus probe a totally unconstrained region in the parameter space.

Test of special relativity and equivalence principle fromKphysics

A violation of Local Lorentz Invariance (VLI) and hence the special theory of relativity or a violation of equivalence principle (VEP) in the Kaon system can, in principle, induce oscillations between $K^0$ and $\bar{K}^0$. We construct a general formulation in which simultaneous pairwise diagonalization of mass, momemtum, weak or gravitational eigenstates is not assumed. %and the maximum attainable %velocities of the velocity eigenstates are different. We discuss this problem in a general way and point out that, as expected, the VEP and VLI contributions are indistinguishable. We then insist on the fact that VEP or VLI can occur even when CPT is conserved. A possible CP violation of the superweak type induced by VEP or VLI is introduced and discussed. We show that the general VEP mechanism (or the VLI mechanism, but not both simultaneously), with or without conserved CPT, could be clearly tested experimentally through the energy dependence of the $K_L-K_S$ mass difference and of $\eta_{+-}$, $\eta_{00}$, $\delta$. Constraints imposed by present experiments are calculated.

Test of special relativity from K physics

A breakdown of the Local Lorentz Invariance and hence the special theory of relativity in the Kaon system can, in principle, induce oscillations between K 0 and K ̄ 0 . We construct a general formulation in which simultaneous pairwise diagonalization of mass, velocity or weak eigenstates is not assumed and the maximum attainable velocities of K 0 and K 0 are different. This mechanism permits Local Lorentz Invariance violation in a manner that need not violate CPT conservation. We show that such a CPT-conserved violation of special relativity could be clearly tested experimentally through the energy dependence of the K L − K S mass difference and discuss constraints imposed by present experiments.

PLANS FOR ATOMIC PHYSICS WITH HIGHLY-CHARGED IONS AT LANZHOU

The upgraded radioactive ion beam line of Lanzhou and the project of the cooler storage ring of Lanzhou are presented in this paper. The plans for atomic physics with highly charged ions at the cooler storage ring are discussed briefly, including precision spectroscopy of highly charged ions, free- and laser-induced electron–ion recombination, test of special relativity, hyperfine structure of radioactive ions, lifetime measurements, and internal target experiments.

Satellite test of special relativity using the global positioning system

A test of special relativity has been carried out using data of clock comparisons between hydrogen maser clocks on the ground and cesium and rubidium clocks on board 25 global positioning system (GPS) satellites. The clocks were compared via carrier phase measurements of the GPS signal using geodetic receivers at a number of stations of the International GPS Service for Geodynamics (IGS) spread worldwide. In special relativity, synchronization of distant clocks by slow clock transport and by Einstein synchrony (using the transmission of light signals) is equivalent in any inertial frame. A violation of this equivalence can be modeled using the parameter $\ensuremath{\delta}c/c,$ where $c$ is the round-trip speed of light ($c=299792458\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ in vacuum) and $\ensuremath{\delta}c$ is the deviation from $c$ of the observed velocity of a light signal traveling one way along a particular spatial direction with the measuring clocks synchronized using slow clock transport. In special relativity $\ensuremath{\delta}c/c=0.$ Experiments can set a limit on the value of $\ensuremath{\delta}c/c$ along a particular spatial direction (henceforth referred to as ``direction of $\ensuremath{\delta}c$''). Within this model our experiment is sensitive to a possible violation of special relativity in any direction of $\ensuremath{\delta}c,$ and on a nonlaboratory scale (baselines $>~20000\mathrm{km}$). The results presented here set an upper limit on the value of $\ensuremath{\delta}c/c<5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ when considering all spatial directions of $\ensuremath{\delta}c$ and $\ensuremath{\delta}c/c<2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ for the component in the equatorial plane.

Test of special relativity in an ion storage ring

An accurate measurement of the Doppler effect in collinear laser spectroscopy has been performed at the TSR storage ring with electron cooled7Li+ ions atΒ=0.064. This experiment is a sensitive test of theγ=(1−Β2)−1/2 factor(Β=v/c) in the special theory of relativity. The Doppler shifted frequencies of the moving7Li+ ions are compared with calibrated molecular lines at rest. The frequencies at rest for the7Li+ ions are known from independent measurements. The Doppler shifted frequencies in the collinear experiment have been measured with a precision ofδv/v=6×10−9, mainly limited by the signal width of the resonance. A corresponding upper limit of 8×10−7 is deduced for any deviation of the time dilatation factorγ in special theory of relativity. A still higher accuracy is expected with a laser cooled ion beam. If such a beam is simultaneously subjected to RF bunching, the particle velocity and phase are exactly known. With an additional high resolution laser frequency measurement an improvement of at least one order of magnitude may be achieved.

Inverse compton testing of fundamental physics and the cosmic background radiation

The recent precise Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB) measurements by COBE and other facilities can provide interesting possibilities for the experimental checking of some basic physical parameters. In this context the inverse Compton scattering of highly monochromatic and parallel electron beams on laser photons is proposed for testing special relativity and related basic principles. For CEBAF and SLC parameters, for example, one can expect a precision for the isotropy of the speed of light dc(θ)/c ≈ 10−13 – 10−14 and an upper limit for the hypothetical fundamental length λf ≃ 10−22 – 10−23 cm. In particular, of special interest can be the checking of the isotropy of the speed of light with respect the direction of the CMB dipole (a kind of Michelson-Morley experiment relative to the absolute "rest" coordinate system).

More Experiments Proposed to Test Special Relativity and an Alternative

More Experiments Proposed to Test Special Relativity and an Alternative

Precision measurement of two iodine lines at 585 nm and 549 nm

The transition frequencies of thei-component of the R(99)15-1 and thew-component of the R(85)26-0 transition in the B-X system of molecular127I2 have been determined with an overall relative standard uncertainty of 1.3 · 10−10. For this purpose a commercial linear dye laser has been modified and stabilized to the corresponding iodine line. This dye laser serves as a transportable frequency standard which is compared with the wavelength standards of the PTB. The evaluation of an experiment for testing special relativity at the test storage ring (TSR) in Heidelberg is based on the precision of the reported interferometric wavelength comparison.

A test of special relativity with stored lithium ions

Laser spectroscopy at the heavy ion storage ring TSR in Heidelberg allows for precision experiments testing the limits of the special theory of relativity. With an opticalΛ-type three-level system of7Li+ the Doppler shift has been measured by saturation spectroscopy as a test of the time dilatation factor γ = (1 −β 2)−1/2 at an ion velocity ofυ = 6.4% c. A precision ofΔν/ν < 9 × 10−9 has been obtained, which sets a second-order limit of 1.1 × 10−6 for any deviation from the time dilatation factor. The fourth-order limit of this deviation is set below 2.7 × 10−4 by the present experiment. These limits are given at a 1 σ confidence level.

Laser spectroscopy with a cooler ring at the esr (GSI) and the TSR (MPI Heidelberg)

At the TSR cooler ring at Heidelberg, laser studies were carried out using singly charged lithium and beryllium ions. Laser spectroscopy of relativistic lithium ions (v=0.04c) yielded signals with a narrow linewidth, suitable for an experimental test of special relativity. A dramatic reduction of the beam temperature, as defined by the longitudinal velocity spread, was achieved via laser cooling in both cases. At the ion energies available at ESR it will become possible to prepare and store bare ions up to U92+. Electron cooling was succesfully demonstrated for hydrogen-like Bi82+ ions, where a laser experiment is scheduled to study the ground-state hyperfine splitting.

THE CONFRONTATION BETWEEN GENERAL RELATIVITY AND EXPERIMENT: A 1992 UPDATE

The status of experimental tests of general relativity and of theoretical frameworks for analysing them are reviewed. Einstein’s equivalence principle is well supported by experiments such as the Eötvös experiment, tests of special relativity, and the gravitational redshift experiment. Tests of general relativity have reached high precision, including the light deflection, the Shapiro time delay, the perihelion advance of Mercury, and the Nordtvedt effect in lunar motion. Gravitational wave damping has been detected to half a percent using the binary pulsar, and new binary pulsar systems promise further improvements. The status of the “fifth force” is discussed, along with the frontiers of experimental relativity, including proposals for testing relativistic gravity with advanced technology and spacecraft.

General Relativity at 75: How Right Was Einstein?

The status of experimental tests of general relativity is reviewed on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Einstein's equivalence principle is well supported by experiments such as the Eötvös experiment, tests of special relativity, and the gravitational redshift experiment. Tests of general relativity have reached high precision, including the light deflection and the perihelion advance of Mercury, proposed by Einstein 75 years ago, and new tests such as the Shapiro time delay and the Nordtvedt effect in lunar motion. Gravitational wave damping has been detected to an accuracy of 1 percent on the basis of measurements of the binary pulsar. The status of the "fifth force" is discussed, along with the frontiers of experimental relativity, including proposals for testing relativistic gravity with advanced technology and spacecraft.

More tests of special relativity

Yet another experiment has provided a novel test of special relativity, one that duplicates in the laboratory phenomena for which people usually look to astrophysics.

Invariance of the wave equation under general co-ordinate transformations

It is shown that the form of the wave equation for sound or light is invariant under general co-ordinate transformations, and, for moving media, the wave equation for aberrated waves is obtained. This invariance not only justifies the theoretical basis of classical and modern ether theories based on generalized Galileo transformations, but it is also needed in relativity for the covariance of the wave equation for moving media under the Lorentz transformations. Tests of special relativity on optics experiments are discussed.

Revised Robertson's test theory of special relativity

The only test theory used by workers in the field of testing special relativity to analyze the significance of their experiments is the proof by H. P. Robertson [Rev. Mod. Phys. 21, 378 (1949)] of the Lorentz transformations from the results of the experimental evidence. Some researchers would argue that the proof contains an unwarranted assumption disguised as a convention about synchronization procedures. Others would say that alternative conventions are possible. In the present paper, no convention is used, but the Lorentz transformations are still obtained using only the results of the experiments in Robertson's proof, namely the Michelson-Morley, Kennedy-Thorndike, and Ives-Stilwell experiments. Thus the revised proof is a valid test theory which is independent of any conventions, since one appeals only to the experimental evidence. The analysis of that evidence shows the directions in which efforts to test special relativity should go. Finally it is shown how the resulting test theory still has to be improved for consistency in the analysis of experiments with complicated experimental setups, how it can be simplified for expediency as to what should be tested, and how it should be completed for a missing step not considered by Robertson.

Relativistic Jets in SS433

The star SS433 is a cosmic physics laboratory testing special relativity and the Doppler effect, not to mention the theory of supernovae and black holes. It fulfils a speculation made by Doppler in 1842

Does the Fizeau experiment really test special relativity?

The motivation and interpretation of the Fizeau experiment are reviewed, and its status as a test of special relativity is discussed. It is shown, with the aid of a simplified, purely mechanical, model of the propagation of light in matter, that the experiment actually cannot discriminate between Galilean and relativistic kinematics.